What do you like to do with your kids on the weekend?
My kids and I like to visit Noah’s Ark animal shelter most Saturday afternoons to play with the cats and walk the dogs, and we often go to the library to chill out with a good book. We play at the parks and ride our scooters when it’s warm and go sledding and build forts when it snows. They like to eat at their favorite restaurants every week, some of which are so reasonably priced it’s easier to go out than to cook at home.

Do you have a favorite outdoor activity?  Indoor activity?
In the warmer months I enjoy triathlon training: swimming in our public lake, running and biking on our scenic trails. When things cool down I go indoors to play basketball, floor hockey, and my newest passion – dance. There are nearly infinite opportunities for fun physical activities and self-expression that it’s easy to wish you had more time in the week to do it all.

How did you get involved in the local dance scene?
I watched a performance in the Sondheim Center of local dancers of varying experience and thought it looked like fun. With no formal dance training I enrolled in ballet class at Fairfield Art of Dance studio and started working on a contemporary partner dance with the studio owner. After just two months I found myself on stage dancing for hundreds of people, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback fueled my desire to improve my technique and continue to perform. I’ve been on the Sondheim stage many times since that first night and I plan to be there many times in the future. Dance is a beautiful combination of fitness and artistic expression, once you start it’s easy to get hooked.

How will you start your Friday night?
My Friday nights usually start with my show on our community radio station, KRUUFM. A buddy of mine started an alternative music show 5 years ago that runs from 8-9 every Friday night and he and I have been playing tunes and telling bad jokes ever since. It’s a great way to unwind from the work week and share some great music with our community, and with the world thanks to online streaming.

What’s your one “must-do” for visitors to Fairfield (this weekend or in general)?
If it’s summertime you have to try the soft-serve Radiance Dairy ice cream at Everybody’s whole foods store – it’s really unlike anything you’ve ever tried. Any time of year it’s always fun to see a show at the Sondheim Center. You might see some of our amazing local talent or some world-class traveling show. Either way you will be delighted and thoroughly entertained.

If you’re having a date night, what romantic spot will you go to and what will you order?
Lately I’ve enjoyed romantic dinners at Top of the Rock. The classy Mediterranean atmosphere and great food make it ideal for a special night out. Their artichoke dip appetizer is so good, and I think I’ve sampled all of their regular desserts and can vouch that each one is as delicious as the next.

What’s Fairfield’s best-kept secret?
Fairfield’s best kept secret is definitely our people. Our community has a naturally open, inviting vibe that allows people to relax and be themselves. As soon as I visited Fairfield I knew it’s where I wanted to be more than anywhere else in the world, and I’ve called it home ever since. Even people who visit on occasion talk about how FF feels like a second home. We really are one big (mostly) happy family, and we love meeting new people!

Ginny Hughes

Ginny Hughes is the Marketing Director of the Jefferson County Health Center.  Ginny has served on various boards and committees, including Jefferson County Health Center Foundation Board, Past President of the Fairfield Rotary Club, Rotary Club Board.  She is currently active in local Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson County Wellness Action Coalition.

Where is your favorite place to take your dog?
My dog loves Bubbles pet grooming in the walking alley north of the Square.  She has a fear of  groomers and Marilyn is so loving and compassionate.  She actually looks forward to getting “her hair and nails done”.  She really looks forward to showing off our new hair-do at the dog park.

What is your favorite healthy eating spot in Fairfield?
We are so lucky that we have so many places to choose from!  Depending on my mood, I know I can get something healthy at the India Café, Revelations, Thai Deli, Noodle House or Everybody’s.   Of course I eat at the Jefferson County Health Center everyday and there is always something healthy to eat there.

What is your favorite outdoor spot to enjoy a sunny Saturday?
I love the solitude of riding my bike on the trails.   I try to do the entire loop when I can.  The hills make it a perfect workout.  Just when I think I can’t take it any longer, I reach the top of the hill and enjoy the coast down.

What’s Fairfield’s best-kept secret?
We have so many best-kept secrets…but the word is getting out!  One of the amazing things about Fairfield is all the entertainment options.  There is usually something great going on at the FACC, a concert at Revelations or Café Paradiso, or some form of participatory dance class or event at the Morning Star Studio. Sometimes it’s hard to choose what to do because there is so much!

What’s your one “must-do” for visitors to Fairfield ?
When I have friends come to Fairfield for the first time, I like to take them to Revelations.  They get to watch the eclectic mix of Fairfield residents coming in for lunch, coffee or a business meeting and it gives them a good feel for what I love about this town.    Another must do is to attend a live music event at any of our great venues.

Where will you be seen shopping?
When I need some shopping therapy I go to Adela’s for some jewelry or a new purse, or Kim’s Kottage for some unique clothing.  I recently purchased a great scarf there that had the perfect colors for fall.   Our local shops do such a great job bringing a unique retail therapy experience to Fairfield.

Any special plans for the weekend?
This weekend I will be catching up with some girlfriends at Vivo’s Restaurant.  We are really looking forward to some great food, good wine and a nice atmosphere where we can reconnect.

After crossing my mom off my gift list, I decided it was time for some “Me” time.  And nothing says “Me” time like warming up in a steam bath at Skin Essence.  Jeanne does such a great job creating a cozy atmosphere in her shop.  And the steam bath was a great way to chase the chills out (seriously folks… its -5 degrees today!).   Once I warmed up, I headed across the street to Natural Selections for a little more shopping.

I picked up some Fruit Pigmented Lip and Cheek Tint for my nieces; the colors are great and I think it will be a big hit.  I also found some really warm sweaters that had me very tempted.  Is it too soon to buy a holiday gift for myself?

If you have any doubt about how close the holidays are, just take a walk into Simplicity Florist, now located on the square. This place is brimming with greenery of all kinds and the scent of cinnamon and pine are everywhere.  It’s a bit like being in a Christmas rainforest.

My fav?  The ivy topiaries. 

(There’s just something appealing about plants that have been trained into a shape!)

My lunch for the day was the avocado veggie sandwich at Istanbul Grill.  The sourdough bread alone is to die for.  The food here always tastes fresh and flavorful and the service is fast.  The menu choices are clearly international and they offer things you will not find anywhere else in town.  For dessert?  I headed to Revelations Café for a piece of their incredible chocolate cake and a cup of herbal tea. Ahhhhh.  The holiday season can be very rewarding.

Before we all break out into song about mittens and snowflakes, let’s acknowledge that women love shopping and taking time to pamper themselves.  And with the Holidays coming up, there is no better time to highlight some of the things I love to see, do, buy and experience in Fairfield.  So here are just 3 of my favs:

Finnywick’s Toys; Finnywick’s almost makes me wish I still had small children at home. (I said “almost”!)  My son would have lived in this store!  I have to admit that I feel  my inner child coming out when I walk inside.  There are so many things to look at and consider for gifts.  My favorite thing?  The Hex bugs.    

I’ve decided that these fascinating mechanical critters will make the perfect gift for a certain grown up kid I know who can be challenging to buy for!

At Home Store; How many ways can you say “gourmet”?  If you love to cook, this shop is a must see.  Listen, I don’t cook anymore and even I get inspired when I walk inside. 

My current favorite thing? The Acorn shaped baking pan.  I have visions of baking little acorn shaped maple cupcakes, drizzled with a Caramel ganache frosting… Yum!

Kim’s Kottage; If you are looking for holiday gifts (or something special for yourself) you’ve got to check out Kim’s.  My mom turned me on to Vera Bradley bags last year and Kim’s is stocked with one of the most diverse displays I’ve ever seen.   (I have my eye on a cute little paisley cosmetic bag) This place is stocked to the hilt and it always takes me a while to navigate this shopaholic’s heaven!

My favs?  These adorable bear mittens… and the “Crazy about Dogs” sleep shirt. (I always love showing my affection for my little critters!)

Whew… I’m finishing this excursion off with freshly made cheesecake at The Chocolate Cafe.

Pumpkin, turtle, strawberry swirl?????

Stay tuned… there are more favs on the way!

Of course, technological challenges seem to run in pairs.  Today our email freaked.  It was working just fine… then BAM, nothing goes out.  How did we used to work without phones and email?  Thank goodness I still have my blog and twitter… and soon, thanks to my web guy and my phone guy, I will be up and running with full force. 

So to all you web guys and phone guys who work under any condition, enduring our frustration, burning the midnight oil so that we can keep in touch with our associates, I offer my heartfelt thanks.  You have become heroes in my eyes.

It’s that time of year when the pastoral land of Fairfield, with its charming town square, becomes an Italian Piazza, complete with singing, dancing and food!  Oh the food!  Let me just say that if you go home hungry, its your own fault!  In addition to the cannolis and lasagne, there will be several food vendors in the “Merchants of Venice” area located near the square.  There are rumors that a record breaking crowd is expected so come early, eat lots, sing loud and laugh long!  Arrivederci

I think we really surprised her when we took her up on stage to be part of the cast of Way Off Broadway’s Pirates of Penzance.  She was very brave and donned a pirate hat for a special photo opportunity.

Yo ho ho Patty!  Thanks for stopping in Fairfield!

So come on out to watch, come on out to dance, but come early… tickets go on sale at 10 am Saturday June 13th.  All seats are $5.